Showing posts with label 1968. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1968. Show all posts

Saturday, February 22, 2025

Sears 1968 Christmas Catalog

Sears 1968 Christmas Catalog Cover

The Sears Christmas Book 1968 contained many wonderful toys including Major Matt Mason, GI Joe and Captain Action. The Zeroids made their Sears debut on page 505.

Sears 1968 Christmas Catalog Page 505

Here come the Zeroids

Grabbing, throwing and hauling at your command

$4.99 each without batteries

Each has special purpose hands, extra magnetic hands plus storage cart or sled. They go forward or backward while grabbing or throwing. Plastic. 6 in. tall. Use 2 "AA" batteries, order 1 pkg. on page 504. Wt. 1 lb. 10 oz.

4 Zerak the Blue Destroyer.
49 N 59028...$4.99


5 Zobor the Bronze Transporter.
49 N 59029...$4.99

6 Zintar the Silver Explorer.
49 N 59031...$4.99

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Ideal 4773-8 Zintar the Silver Explorer Instructions

Ideal 4773-8 Zintar the Silver Explorer Instructions

These are the instructions from the later Header-Carded ZZintar the Silver Explorer - they're the same as what was printed on the earlier tall boxes.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton. 

Ideal 4772-0 Zobor the Bronze Transporter Instructions

Ideal 4772-0 Zobor the Bronze Transporter Instructions

These are the instructions from the later Header-Carded Zobor the Bronze Transporter - they're the same as what was printed on the earlier tall boxes.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Ideal 4771-2 Zerak the Blue Destroyer Instructions

Ideal 4771-2 Zerak the Blue Destroyer Instructions

These are the instructions from the later Header-Carded Zerak the Blue Destroyer package - they're the same as what was printed on the earlier tall boxes.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton. 

Friday, January 31, 2025

Ideal 4773-8 Zintar the Silver Explorer

4773-8 Zintar the Silver Explorer (borrowed from TheOldRobots)

Zintar the Silver Explorer was more of the intellectual of the Zeroids with a sleek body and a bit more tech ornamentation. Most examples are found in the simple gray color but at some point Ideal poured some silver metal into the pigment so there are glittery examples (they seem to be rarer than the gray version).

Zintar is in a red plastic case with a clear cover, the case is more of a frame that Zintar can push around by placing his body in the center. Its hands have spring-loaded "thumbs", that allows Zintar to hold things. As with the other two Zeroids, Zintar comes with a throwing hand with two yellow missiles and a magnetic hand. 

Packaging:

The first three Zeroids were all marketed in a window-boxed sleeve that fully exposed the case. It's taller than the case extending downward an inch and upward almost three inches (there's a cardboard insert above the case and below the box flap to add some rigidity). 

Instructions:

Ideal 4773-8 Zintar the Silver Explorer Instructions

Ideal Catalog Specifications:

(First appearance: Ideal Toy Corporation 1968 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog Page 33)

4773-8 ZINTAR - THE SILVER EXPLORER - The back portion of this Zeroid's package becomes a dramatic lunar sled that seems to carry gripper-fisted Zintar over the terrain. With magnetic and throwing hands.
Pack per doz.: 6/12 Wgt.: 8 1⁄2 lbs.

Variations:

John's Notes:

Over time Zintar has become my favorite of the Zeroids - something about the sleek lines and symmetry that appeals to me more than the others. Zintar is often missing the two lights that are glued to the base and there's often a lot of paint wear to the black at neck and shoulders. I currently have the top half of a silver example - I just found the bottom half in decent shape to complete him. Box image above "borrowed" from TheOldRobots.

The box sleeves of the initial three are very difficult to find intact. They crush pretty easily and rip around the window area - it's common to see them in pieces. The images above are from my example, taken back in the late 90's - at some point I'll update.


All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Ideal 4772-0 Zobor the Bronze Transporter

Ideal 4772-0 Zobor the Bronze Transporter Box Front

Zobor the Bronze Transporter was the "golden" (more like an orange) Zeroid with flaring hips that for some reason is often referred to as "she" - it may be the resemblance to Rosie from the Jetsons.

Ideal 4772-0 Zobor the Bronze Transporter Box Back

Zobor is in a turquoise plastic case with a clear cover and two yellow wheels that can be added to the underside - it transforms the case into the "Cosmobile" trailer that can be dragged behind Zobor - thus the "Bronze Transporter" is defined by function. Its hands are spring-loaded, pincer-style very common with depictions of robots from the era, that allows Zobor to hold things. As with the other two Zeroids, Zobor comes with a throwing hand with two yellow missiles and a magnetic hand. 

Zeroid with Cosmobile

Packaging:

The first three Zeroids were all marketed in a window-boxed sleeve that fully exposed the case. It's taller than the case extending downward an inch and upward almost three inches (there's a cardboard insert above the case and below the box flap to add some rigidity). 

Instructions:

Ideal 4772-0 Zobor the Bronze Transporter Instructions 

Ideal Catalog Specifications:

(First appearance: Ideal Toy Corporation 1968 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog Page 33)

4772-0 ZOBOR - THE BRONZE TRANSPORTER - A kindly carrier with special duty gripper claws. Like magic, his empty plastic package becomes a roomy Cosmobile for hauling loads. Also has magnetic and throwing hands.
Pack per doz.: 6/12 Wgt.: 8 1⁄2 lbs.

Variations:

Department Store Catalog Box

John's Notes:

I owned a Zobor as a child - it was actually one of my favorite toys and due to the scale, ideal for play with my Major Matt Mason astronauts. Somehow I managed to find a packaged example very early in my collecting and then stumbled across a second boxed version (which I've subsequently sold - kind of wish I had saved it).

The box sleeves of the initial three are very difficult to find intact. They crush pretty easily and rip around the window area - it's common to see them in pieces. The images above are from my example, taken back in the late 90's - at some point I'll update.


All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Ideal 4771-2 Zerak the Blue Destroyer

Ideal 4771-2 ZERAK the Blue Destroyer Box Front
Zerak the Blue Destroyer was originally the leader of the initial three Zeroids. I think he's something of a favorite among collectors. I find his "claw" shaped hands a bit less useful than some of the others as they don't hold things very well, but they are good for grabbing and pulling things.

Zerak is in a gray plastic case with a clear cover that hinges downward to provide a ramp for him to exit - not sure how you can do that without turning him on first so it's not as cool as it sounds. As with the other two zeroids, Zerak comes with a throwing hand with two yellow missiles and a magnetic hand. 

Ideal 4771-2 ZERAK the Blue Destroyer Box Side

Packaging:

The first three Zeroids were all marketed in a window-boxed sleeve that fully exposed the case. It's taller than the case extending downward an inch and upward almost three inches (there's a cardboard insert above the case and below the box flap to add some rigidity). 

Instructions:

Ideal 4771-2 Zerak the Blue Destroyer Instructions

Ideal Catalog Specifications:

(First appearance: Ideal Toy Corporation 1968 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog Page 33)

4771-2 ZERAK - THE BLUE DESTROYER - "Turn him on" while he's still in his control station package and lookout! His brute strength unhinges the transparent plastic cover which drops to provide an exit ramp for Zerak. Employs unique hooks for hands plus magnetic and throwing hands.
Pack per doz.: 6/12 Wgt.: 8 1⁄2 lbs.

Variations:

I've seen some images of Zerak with a different shade of blue used in the body color - it's much more brilliant, more of a "peacock blue" and usually associated with the later market "Zerak" box.

John's Notes:

Zerak often has his antenna missing or the wings broken off - very common. One of mine has hardened glue around the knee joints (not that they move anyway but it's not pretty) - I think this was from heat exposure or something - the Zeroid still works and is minty otherwise.

The box sleeves of the initial three are very difficult to find intact. They crush pretty easily and rip around the window area - it's common to see them in pieces. I don't own an example of the packaging - the images above are from an old eBay ad.


All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Monday, January 27, 2025

Marvel Comics Ideal S.T.A.R. Team Comic Book Insert

Marvel Comics Ideal S.T.A.R. Team Comic Book Insert Front Cover

This 6 5/8" x 5" comic could be found as an insert to 4601-1 Star Hawk. The comic is full-color printed on comic/pulp stock and features ads for other Ideal toys in the inside and back cover (Total Control Racing and the Star Team Battling Spaceships game in the guts; Electroman and Zogg, another odd reuse of a original Zeroids character name, on the back cover). 

Penciled by Dave Cockrum, inks by Mike Esposito and colors by Marie Severin the book has quite the comic book legacy. Here's the introduction from the inside cover:

JOURNEY TO THE FUTURE
It is the year 3000. For the first time, Earth's solar system faces invasion! From out of the mysterious Black Nebula which swirles in the intersteller vastness beyond Pluto have come the Knight of Darkness and his Shadow Warriors to establish a foothold amid the outer planets of the solar system.

Here, they have been held at bay but the Knight's drive fro conquest is unending. To keep him in check requires I.

And this dangerous vigil is the job of Earth's Star Team Scouts, such as Zem-21 and his two Zeroid companions, the heroic crew of the saucer-ship Star Hawk! 

Marvel Comics Ideal S.T.A.R. Team Comic Book Insert Back Cover

Note that I "borrowed" these images from MyComicShop.com until I can find my copy and take new photos.


All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Saturday, January 25, 2025

The Gastonia Gazette October 10, 1968 Page 5A Mathews Belk Toyland Ad

The Gastonia Gazette October 10, 1968 Page 5A

The Mathews Belk in Gastonia, North Carolina featured a quarter of their half-page ad to the Zeroids in the October 10, 1968 Gastonia Gazette. The overall focus of the ad is to prepare for Christmas through their lay-a-way program.

ZEROID

By Ideal

Here they come from the planet Zero, the Zeroids, incredible workers of the future. Moving across the landscape overrunning all obstacles. Special magnetic hands, battery powered motor with forward and reverse drive. Capable of grabbing, carrying and hauling functions.

4.48

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

The Jersey Journal September 25, 1968 Page 19 Great Eastern "Big Super Discounts" Ad

The Jersey Journal September 25, 1968 Page 19
This is the earliest newspaper ad I could find featuring the Zeroids with an image, published by the discount retailer Great Eastern in The Jersey Journal September 25, 1968. The Zeroids featuring Zintar get half the page!

AS SEEN ON TV
FROM THE PLANET ZERO

ZEROID by DEAL (logo)

3.47

Our Reg. Low Discount Price 4.66

Here they come! From the Planet Zero; the incredible workers of the future! Each Zeroid has a unique pair of hands: interchangeable magnetic and throwing hands! In operation Zeroids are capable of grabbing, pinching, carrying, clawing and more! Choose from 3 models... batteries extra!


All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Playthings Magazine 1968 "ZEROIDS AND NEWBORN THUMBILINA...two of your best salesmen during the Long, Hot Winter." Ad

Playthings Magazine 1968 "ZEROIDS AND NEWBORN THUMBILINA
This single-page ad appeared in a fall 1968 issue of Playthings Magazine, a publication marketing to the toy industry. Prior to Mattel's Barbie, Ideal was the largest toy doll producer in the world so introducing the Zeroids with a doll seems to have made sense, although it might seem a bit incongruous now.

Transcript:

ZEROIDS AND NEWBORN THUMBELINA

...two of your best salesmen during the Long, Hot Winter.

While BATTLING TOPS™, FLATSY™ and New OUTBOARD BOATERIFIC® are making a hot impact, your customers will also see the full line of ZEROIDS™ and NEWBORN THUMBELINA®.

ZEROIDS. The futuristic robots that willingly serve their masters. And you are their master during the Long, Hot Winter.

NEWBORN THUMBELINA. She turns, twists and rocks her cradle from side to side, just like a real baby. And she'll be walking off your shelves and into kids' arms during the Long, Hot Winter.

These hard workers will continue to be seen on NATIONAL NETWORK TELEVISION.

ZEROIDS and NEWBORN THUMBELINA. Two of the best salesmen you ever had working for you.

DEAL (logo)

IDEAL TOY CORPORATION, 1107 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY.



All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Friday, January 24, 2025

Playthings Magazine 1968 "We Are the Zeroids. Take Us to Your Buyer"

This ad appeared in a spring 1968 issue of Playthings Magazine (a toy industry publication). It features a two-page spread marketed towards wholesalers and retailers of the toy trade.

Transcript:

WE ARE THE ZEROIDS.

TAKE US TO YOUR BUYER

OUR INVASION OF EARTH IS TAKING PLACE NOW.
WE ARE INFILTRATING YOUR TV STATIONS.
WE WILL TAKE OVER THE IMAGINATIONS OF YOUR CHILDREN. WE WILL BE SEEN EVERYWHERE - COAST TO COAST.
WE WILL AUTOMATICALLY BUILD SALES.
WE ARE THE ZEROIDS.
WATCH OUT!
ON TV (NETWORK AND SPOT) BEGINNING IN AUGUST!

IDEAL (logo) IDEAL TOY CORP., 200 FIFTH AVE., N. Y., N. Y. 10010

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

DC Comics October 1968 "The Zeroids Are Here!" Ad

DC Comics October 1968 "The Zeroids Are Here!" Ad

Ideal published this single-page comic book style ad in multiple issues of DC Comics released in October, 1968.

Transcript:

THE ZEROIDS ARE HERE!

FROM THE PLANET ZERO... THE INCREDIBLE AUTOMATONS FROM OUTER SPACE.

MOVING ACROSS THE LANDSCAPE, OVERRUNNING OBSTACLES, THESE AMAZING, FEARLESS AND POWERFUL AUTOMATONS HAVE BUT ONE PURPOSE... TO SERVE THEIR MASTERS ... YOU!

ZERAK, THE BLUE DESTROYER. FREES HIMSELF FROM HIS OWN CONTROL STATION. HIS BRUTE STRENGTH FORCES THE EXIT RAMP INTO POSITION, AND HE EMERGES WITH FIGHTING FISTS READY FOR ACTION!!!

EACH ZEROID COMES WITH THESE EXTRAS:

THE ACTION-HAND THAT THROWS LASER BOMBS.
THE MAGNETIC GRABBER THAT PICKS UP AND CARRIES METAL OBJECTS

ZOBOR, THE BRONZE TRANSPORT ROBOT HAS SPECIAL-DUTY GRABBING HOOKS. HIS CONTROL STATION BECOMES A COSMOBILE FOR HAULING HEAVY LOADS. 

NO TRANSPORTING JOB IS TOO TOUGH FOR ZOBOR.

ZINTAR, THE SILVER EXPLORER, IS GRIPPER-FISTED, HIS CONTROL STATION BECOMES A DRAMATIC LUNAR SLED THAT MOBILIZES HIM FOR ACTION.

ZINTAR HAS THE POWER TO BATTER HIS WAY THROUGH ANYTHING.

EACH ZEROID COMES WITH A UNIQUE PAIR OF SPECIAL PURPOSE HANDS PLUS MAGNETIC AND THROWING HANDS FOR ACTION JOBS PLUS AN AUTOMATIC REVERSING TILE. ALL ZEROIDS ARE EQUIPPED WITH FORWARD AND REVERSE MOTOR POWERED TREAD-DRIVE SO THEY CAN HAUL, BATTER, RAM, ATTACK LAUNCH, TRANSPORT, FIGHT -- ANYTHING!!!

THE ZEROIDS BROUGHT TO EARTH BY IDEAL (logo)


All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Montgomery Wards 1968 Christmas Catalog

Montgomery Wards 1968 Christmas Catalog Cover

The 1968 Montgomery Wards "Wishbook" devoted about a quarter of the page to "The Amazing Zeroids" with images of the original three robots engaged with their plastic cases as play units. 

Montgomery Wards 1968 Christmas Catalog Page 279

The Amazing Zeroids

$5 each

[3]-[5] They move forward or backward. Each has reversing ramp. Heads, bodies swivel and they can actually throw things. Have extra throwing and magnetic hands. Plastic cases are play units. Colorful plastic, abt. 6 in. tall. Each needs 2 "AA" batteries - pg. 316. 

(3) Zobor the bronze transporter. Built for work, his case becomes a hauling trailer. Has pincer hands. 48 T 23701 - Ship. wt. 1 lb. 8 oz...5.00

(4) Zerak the blue destroyer. Built for fighting, his case is his headquarters. Has hook, fighting hands.
48 T 23700 - Ship. wt. 1 lb. 8 oz...5.00

(5) Zintar the silver explorer. Built for exploring, his case becomes a lunar sled. Has gripper fists.
48 T 23702 - Ship. wt. 1 lb. 8 oz...5.00

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Saturday, January 18, 2025

PK Home Shopping Center "Santa's Special Toys" 1968 Catalog

PK Home Shopping Center "Santa's Special Toys" 1968 Catalog Cover

There's no date on this thin catalog from PK Home Shopping Center, probably distributed as a sales circular in 1968. Page 16 features a full-color page and in the upper left corner, an image of Zerak.

PK Home Shopping Center "Santa's Special Toys" 1968 Catalog Page 16

ZEROIDS BY IDEAL

YOUR CHOICE 4.99

Exciting robot figures with inter-changeable hands that can grab, carry, magnetically attract and throw. Moves both forward and reverse. Battery operated. Choose from CS172 Blue Destroyer, CS173 Silver Explorer, CS174 Bronze Transporter.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Zeroids Origin and History

CU-24 Motors
The Zeroids were the brain child of Frank Rice, who previously was the Chief Designer of Playsets at Marx before moving to Irwin Toys, then Transogram as V.P in charge of Adult Games. As head of R&D Frank, along with senior VP of engineering Erwin Benkoe and VP Julius Cooper, was tasked with adding excitement to the Motorific line of cars. Much of the success of Motorific had to do with its heart, the Japanese-made CU-24 motor (image above) which allowed for mobility driven by AA-batteries. Up until that time most electic-powered cars used electrified tracks (slot cars) or were larger and used D-cell batteries. The adoption of the Motorific motor allowed for the smaller  6 1/2" height of the Zeroid robot and its development with minimal design costs.

Julius "Julie" Cooper was the primary driver behind Zeroid development, working hand-in-hand with the model department (folks like Ed Turcina, a top Marx model maker who defected to Ideal) to produce high-quality sculpted figures that really caught your eye and sparked the imagination of kids. The Zeroids had many metalized "chromed" plastic parts applied, employing tricks used on Motorific vehicles, which added a flashy appearance and unique design. Much of the work getting the CU-24 motors produced to exacting specifications was spearheaded by Lenny Solomon who negotiated the pricing and oversaw changes and corrections to their production.

During this period the Ideal Toy Corporation was really making a push into TV marketing (as were all the other toy companies) so the Zeroids were given this initial marketing spot (there are others which unfortunately haven't surfaced yet).

1968 Zeroid TV Commercial

To produce the initial TV spot (above) Frank Rice went to Munich Germany instead of doing the commercials in New York (which was the more common practice at the time). They were able produce multiple commercials at one time for less money (there were multiple sound stages in Germany with experienced crew and top-notch equipment).

The names of all the Zeroids, along with the backstory, flowed naturally once "zeroid" was established as the overall name of the robot. Planet Zeroid, the individual names starting with "Z" - I am a bit surprised that the Alien wasn't given a "Z" name too other than "Zeroid Alien."

John's Notes

Most of the information above was pulled from Playset Magazine No. 17 published on September/October 2004. It features a Zeroids cover and multiple-page article and is well worth getting.

 

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Friday, January 17, 2025

J.C. Penney 1968 Christmas Catalog

J.C. Penney 1968 Christmas Catalog Cover

The Zeroids get a great half-page introduction in the J.C. Penney 1968 Christmas Catalog featuring a painted scene, albeit in black-and-white, of the three Zeroids with their functional cases alongside photos of the robots in their cases for storage.

J.C. Penney 1968 Christmas Catalog Page 320

Here come the Zeroids with play accessory cases 4.77 Each

Here they come! 6-in.-high Zeroids 

Look-each case doubles as a play accessory

[1] to [3] 6-IN.-HIGH PLASTIC ZEROIDS. Each with interchangeable and throwing hands. Each operates on a battery-powered motor with a forward and reverse drive. Swivel waist; hands are capable of grabbing, carrying, attracting, throwing. pushing and pulling, or hauling their individual plastic cases. Each operates on 2 "AA" cell batteries (not included. Order below).

[1] Zerak the Blue Destroyer. With control station case.
X 924-4302 A - Wt. 1 lb. 8 oz... 4.77
 
[2] Zobor the Bronze-Color Transporter. Rolling case for hauling.
X 924-4328 A - Wt. 1 lb. 8 oz...4.77

[3] Zintar the Silver-Color Explorer. With lunar sled case. 
X 924-4344 A - Wt. 1 lb. 8 oz...4.77
 
1 Pkg. of 2 AA-Cell Batteries.
X 957-1753 A -
Shipping wt. 1 oz...1 pkg. 31c
 


All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Eaton's Canada's Christmas Catalogue 1968

Eaton's Canada's Christmas Catalogue 1968 Cover

The 1968 Eaton's Christmas Catalogue devotes nearly a quarter of the page to an image of the Zeroids with a large image of the debut trio.

Eaton's Canada's Christmas Catalogue 1968 Page 51

ZEROIDS

Battery-operated automatons from the planet Zero. Their purpose-to serve you at work and play! 5.98 each
 
1 to 3 Each Zeroid has a unique pair of special purpose hands, interchangeable, magnetic and throwing hands, and a battery-powered motor with forward and reverse drive. In operation, Zeroids are capable of carrying. attracting. throwing or hauling. Packages double as functional play units. Zeroids are powered by two "AA" batteries (not included-see below). 

(1) Zerak-the blue destroyer. Control station (package) provides exit ramp.
27-R 3029 - Includes magnetic and throwing hands... 5.98
 
(2) Zobor - the bronze transporter. Empty plastic package becomes Cosmobile for hauling loads.
27-R 3030 - Includes magnetic and throwing hands... 5.98 
 
(3) Zintar - the silver explorer. Back portion of package becomes lunar sled.
27-R 3031 - Includes magnetic and throwing hands... 5.98 
 
Batteries for items listed above
27-R 3273 - Package of six "AA" batteries... .72

John's Notes

If I saw this ad as a kid I would have been beside myself trying to get my parents to buy me one. We didn't get Eaton's where I grew up in Tennessee (ironic, considering my last name) - it was more than likely a similar ad in a Sears Wishbook that got me my Zobor.


All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

1968.11.07 Binghamton NY Press Page 6-B Children's Super Mart Week-End Specials Ad

1968.11.07 Binghamton NY Press Page 6-B Children's Super Mart Week-End Specials Ad

The Zeroids are the headliner in this ad published in the Binghamton Press November 7 1968. Neat Zintar clip art. At $4.39 the Zeroids I think were coming in at a fairly expensive price point, but you did get the extra hands and functioning case.

1968.11.07 Binghamton NY Press Page 6-B Children's Super Mart Week-End Specials Ad Detail

ZEROIDS by Ideal

Enjoy hours of fun with:
 
ZERAK, The destroyer,
ZOBOR, The transporter,
ZINTAR, The explorer

$4.39

All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.

Monday, January 13, 2025

Ideal Toy Corporation 1968 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog

Ideal Toy Corporation 1968 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog Cover

I believe the first appearance of the Zeroids for solicitation was through the 1968 Ideal "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog. As with other toy companies like Mattel, Kenner, etc., Ideal would issue at least one catalog a year that would showcase the line of available product. These would often be accompanied with a price sheet that sometimes would be adjusted for regional differences. This catalog has a really fantastic fully-painted rendering of the Mighty Zeroids. It's a somewhat difficult and expensive catalog to acquire due to the large Captain Action section within (unfortunately for Zeroid collectors).

Ideal Toy Corporation 1968 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog-  Image by Craig Hedges

Here they come... from the Planet Zero! The incredible workers of the Future!

ZEROIDS

Moving across the landscape, overrunning all obstacles as inexorably as the Future itself these amazing, efficient and powerful automatons have but one purpose to serve their masters (your customers) at work and play!

Each Zeroid has a unique pair of special purpose hands, interchangeable magnetic and throwing hands, and a battery-powered motor with forward and reverse drive. In operation, Zeroids are capable of grabbing, pinching, carrying, clawing, attracting, throwing, pushing, pulling or hauling functions.

From "turret to track" each Zeroid simulates a marvelous mechano-electronic complex, molded in awesome detail, and the sparkling Zeroid packages double as functional play units!

4771-2 ZERAK - THE BLUE DESTROYER - "Turn him on" while he's still in his control station package and lookout! (sic I think – should be two words?) His brute strength unhinges the transparent plastic cover which drops to provide an exit ramp for Zerak. Employs unique hooks for hands plus magnetic and throwing hands.

4772-0 ZOBOR - THE BRONZE TRANSPORTER - A kindly carrier with special duty gripper claws. Like magic, his empty plastic package becomes a roomy Cosmobile for hauling loads. Also has magnetic and throwing hands.

4773-8 ZINTAR - THE SILVER EXPLORER - The back portion of this Zeroid's package becomes a dramatic lunar sled that seems to carry gripper-fisted Zintar over the terrain. With magnetic and throwing hands.

Each of the above-Pack per doz.: 6/12 Wgt.: 8 ⁄2 lbs.

4776-1 ZEROID ASST DEAL - Contains 1 doz. 3 styles asstd. Pack: 1 deal per carton Weight: 17 lbs.

Zeroids operate on 2 AA type batteries (Batteries not included)

John's Notes

The rendering used on these pages is really fabulous - some of the reflected highlights may be airbrushed - but in all it’s painted by hand. For the most part the Zeroid robots look like the production versions - some exceptions are the antennae and a light or surface, here or there. All that's missing are a few Major Matt Mason astronauts... (joking) 


All content, including images and editorial, is Copyright ©1999-2025 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton.